Assuming Vance Joseph sticks around, how good will his defense look if we can get the guy an elite LB, one more pass rusher, get another full off-season with the young corners plus Phillips, and with a healthy Reshad Jones for the full season?
I am starting to lean towards drafting a top level LB over a pass rusher. At 1-4, I was thinking of the elite pass rusher, but late teens/early 20's at best, I'm thinking a playmaking LB will be there and we desperately need to pair that with Kiko next year.
Was really hopeful for Bobby McCain, and he has probably let me down more than anybody on defense this year. Nickel will need addressing at some point.
I'm not as confident with the Reshad/IAQ combo tho. I feel like Reshad is the big playmaker SS while IAQ is more of that "I'm in the right place SS". Neither one really have that FS skill that we probably need back there. Clearly our 2 best safeties, but will it be our best combo next year? I could see some action to bring in a quality FS.
Would absolutely be thrilled if we can get something out of Dion Jordan. I know, I know . . . wishful thinking, but the leaders on that DLine have seemed to embrace him, maybe he tightens up over the offseason.
Draft needs to be all defense IMO, with eyes open for a big threat TE. Resign Sims and Stills and continue improving your offensive line (not a first round pick, but quality FA/draft finesse).
We gotta give it a go while Wake is still playing at this level. No rushing Ryan back this year . . . next year is our legit chance, keep him healthy with a healthy offseason and maybe we can win this damn division.
---------- Post added at 09:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:59 PM ----------
BTW KDawg, I couldn't agree with you more on Jenkins. It's the one personnel decision I think the coaches are making a mistake on. They keep trying to nurse him into the lineup, and he is failing play after play. He's always a half step late or out of position when he should be making a play. Like you are saying, we are a better football team with Neville Hewitt right now. I'm not piling on Jenkins. He clearly isn't close to 100%. I thought they should have shut him down until he was much more healthy about 6 or 8 weeks ago. It's a similar situation to Steen's. They each are probably the better player, but with the injuries they can't perform as well as their backups.
Crazy thing is, if he ends up being a cheap resign, I think you have to do that just to continue your LB depth. He is not healthy but healthy, he is at worst, decent depth and has shown to be a quality starter in the past.
But right now, yea, keep him away from the field lol